Threads, Tinsels, and Transformation

Can Threads be a Threat to X??

The social media landscape in the EU is undergoing a period of significant change, with the emergence of Threads in the EU last week as a potential challenger to the dominance of X. The growing sense of unease about Musk’s platform is not a surprise anymore; and many in the EU bubble are feeling it: after deciding to stop advertising over ‘widespread concerns relating to the spread of disinformation’, the European Commission is now taking another decisive stand against X’s transparency by launching a critical investigation for potential breaches of the Digital Services Act (DSA), mainly in relation to content moderation and user data access.?

Threads looks like the first serious contender to dethrone X (Twitter) in the EU bubble. Interest around Meta’s newcomer in the European social media space is already representing more than mere curiosity or a temporary trend; it’s “strategic foresight”, says Weiss in the latest edition of POLITICO’s EU Influence. “It’s a signal that communicators are ready to pivot and adapt in a landscape that’s fragmenting and evolving. Dismissing this as a mere shift could mean missing the next digital evolution.” A signal that has already been well-captured by early EU leaders, such as:?

?? EU Commission , with already about 75k followers?

?? European People's Party (EPP)?

?? Politico Europe ?

?? Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders. ?

Read more:

Let’s look at why:?

?? Threads is Musk-free: not having to do with X’s political interference under Musk’s leadership has turned into a significant advantage for many EU users.?

?? Compared to new entrants like Mastodon and Bluesky, Threads is leveraging Instagram's vast user base, which gives it a significant head start.?

?? A revolutionary feature: open architecture using the ActivityPub protocol. What does it mean though? Current social media platforms are like silos, with your data and connections locked in. ActivityPub, on the other hand, is like the open internet - you can easily switch between different platforms without losing your followers or content. This could lead to a more diverse and user-friendly social media space?

Understanding that the social media world is now fragmented and requires a new approach and new architecture, Threads can be considered another step in that direction. While we all know that its extent awaits clarification – and its long-term impact remains to be discovered – we can also agree that the change Meta’s platform creates could open the web to an entirely new communication structure. ?

Social Media's Next Wave: Beyond Tweets and Likes?

Prominent linguist, author and a noted #EUinfluencer, Hugh Annand , shares his insights on the evolving social media world. Amidst the transformative changes led by figures like Elon Musk on X, Annand sheds light on the potential of emerging platforms like Mastodon and Bluesky.?

Offering a nuanced perspective, he emphasizes the unpredictable yet exciting trajectory of social media's future. The recent debut of Threads in Europe further enriches his analysis, underscoring the ever-changing nature of the digital terrain. Annand’s take is a reminder to stay tuned and #OneStepAhead, as the social media environment is always just one tweet away from its next big shift.?

Once a staunch X advocate, Clare Carlisle from AnimalhealthEurope is now reassessing the platform's place in her digital toolkit. While she appreciates X’s dynamic engagement potential with institutional figures, journalists, stakeholders, and acknowledges the significant role Musk’s platform has played in the last year, she also admits how much LinkedIn has increasingly won her favor when it comes to fostering connections with colleagues and members of her association.?

As we celebrate the festive season, Ana-Maria Donos our talented Graphic Designer, looks back on the beginning of her journey with ZN, which started five years ago.? An enriching summer internship filled with warmth, valuable learning experiences, and a strong sense of teamwork played a pivotal role in shaping her current professional growth.?

Ana's enduring bond with the ZN team, years after her internship, is a testament to the lasting connections that thrive in our workplace, not just during the holidays but all year round!?

#ZNLive with Irem Ates and Evilenia Tsimpoura tomorrow!?

Ready for a festive gathering? Tomorrow at 2pm CET, we're rolling out the red carpet for our Christmas Special Edition!?

Hosted by our founder and CEO Philip Weiss , join us for an engaging roundtable with Senior Account Director Irem Turkay Ates and Account Manager Evilenia Tsimpoura . We'll be taking a stroll down memory lane, revisiting our 2023 client project highlights, and exploring what 2024 has in store for communication strategies.?

Join us for an exciting session filled with festive cheer and insights! ????

#ZN25 highlights: Standout moments with our clients?

?We are proud to have played a key role in shaping the visual narrative for the EUROPEAN NETWORK OF TRANSMISSION SYSTEM OPERATORS FOR GAS (ENTSOG) annual conference.? A significant component of this conference was our curation of a special opening video, strategically designed to set the stage for discussions focused on advancing the European gas infrastructure.?

Our collaboration with ENTSOG is more than just a project; it's a partnership aligned with ENTSOG’s vision of a cohesive, efficient, and technically advanced European gas network. We extend our gratitude to ENTSOG for entrusting us with this opportunity and look forward to contributing to more impactful projects, supporting their mission to overhaul the gas industry across Europe.?

Check it out below! ???

#ZNLive with The Creative Team #Episode 355?

The recent #ZNLive episode, hosted by Philip Weiss , featured ZN's creative leaders - COO Jesús Azogue , Art Director Antonin de Bellefroid , and Social Content Manager Daniel Bartual . They delved into the ever-changing? terrain of social media, AI in design, VR, and robotics, shedding light on both the potential and challenges posed by these technologies.?

Insights from the Episode:?

• Threads is challenging X in the EU's changing social media scene, showing the importance of being flexible and using different online platforms.?
• Innovative tools like Midjourney and Leonardo.ai are changing the game, making it easy for anyone to bring their creative ideas to life with real time generation.?
• Microsoft Office in VR? It's a reality that could reshape productivity and enhance collaborative efforts in workplace.??

Did you miss?#ZNLive ?Last Friday? Check the highlight post on?LinkedIn .??

Must-See Recommendations:?

Daniel's pick: Dive into UX design with Netflix's "Abstract: The Art of Design ." Don't miss the episode featuring Ian Spalter.

Antonin suggests a YouTube video by Matt Wolf , offering 28 free AI tools for creatives.

Jesus recommends exploring Microsoft Office in VR for a fresh take on traditional workflows.

Philip shares an inspiring read, "Feel Good Productivity " by Ali Abdaal, marrying passion with productivity.

Did you miss #ZNLive Last Friday? Check the highlight post on LinkedIn.?

In Focus?

In her recent post, our Senior Account Director Irem Turkay Ates reflected on the successful workshop 'Mastering Brand Ambassadorship and Digital Activation', co-hosted with Senior Account Manager Marsela Ivanova and Account Manager Evilenia Tsimpoura at the BRUSSELS INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION FORUM (BIAF) . The workshop, focused on elevating LinkedIn strategies, offered a treasure trove of tips for budding social media brand ambassadors.??

Key takeaways? ???

?? Inject personality into your posts.?

?? Understand the algorithmic ebb and flow.?

???? Don't shy away from tools like ChatGPT for sprucing up content.??

?Irem also emphasized the power of live event engagement for boosting online presence, suggesting real-time updates and post-event networking. This workshop went beyond imparting social media skills; it was also about fostering a community of digital influencers.?

Check out her post on LinkedIn here !?

From everyone at ZN, we wish you a healthy, innovative, and happy 2024 that helps you get ready to be #OneYearAhead and keeps you #Hyperthinking.??

Download our e-book!?

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Stay #OneStepAhead and prepare for the 2024 EU Parliament Elections with our practical guide. Grab your copy now!?

Digital News and Trends?

EU's Firm Stance: Investigating X for Potential DSA Violations?

The European Commission is making a decisive move against X, launching a critical investigation for potential breaches of the Digital Services Act (DSA). This inquiry, targeting issues like content moderation and user data access, signals the EU's heightened commitment to imposing more rigorous scrutiny on prominent online platforms. The endeavour challenges their operational autonomy and calls for increased transparency, reflecting a broader effort to enhance regulatory oversight.?Read more here .

Flipboard Embraces the Fediverse: Integrating ActivityPub for Wider Reach?

Flipboard is transitioning to the Fediverse by adopting ActivityPub, enabling its users to interact with platforms like Mastodon. Starting with 25 accounts, including The Verge's, Flipboard plans to expand this integration to all users by March, positioning itself as an ActivityPub-based platform that combines article reading with Fediverse social features. How will this change impact the way we consume and interact with digital content? Learn more here .?

Meta Quest Pro's New Tongue Tracking: A Step Forward or a Missed Opportunity??

While the Meta Quest Pro has introduced tongue tracking alongside its existing face and eye tracking capabilities, Hamish Hector suggests that this addition doesn't address the device's crucial need for a significant update. The real issue is the limited adoption of face tracking due to the Quest Pro's high price and low market penetration. For wider use, such features need to be available on more accessible devices like Meta's budget Quest line. Learn more here .?

Meet the #ZNetwork?

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Julie Richert , our Account Manager, has been an invaluable member of our team for over 3 years. Apart from her passion for true crime podcasts and series, Julie possesses a remarkable talent for imitating various global accents. In addition to her linguistic prowess, she is proficient in three and a half languages—currently honing her Spanish skills before considering it a full count.

She also aspires to add Arabic to her language repertoire in the future!?

Meet Ana-Maria Donos , our skilled Graphic Designer. By day, she expertly handles pixels, while by night, she indulges in heartwarming moments with her beloved fur baby. As a dedicated dog mom, these times are her utmost joy. When she's not excelling in the design realm, she's hitting the gym with a fervor, particularly cherishing leg day. Ana's anime passion revolves around Dragon Ball Z, and her creativity finds companionship in the world of audiobooks.

Check out her work on our Instagram account here !?

Don't miss out – join our community today and stay?#OneStepAhead ?by subscribing to our newsletter. We value your thoughts and would love to hear your take on the topics we've discussed. Comment below and let's keep the conversation going.?